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Humility
"Jesus then pursues other related issues (vv. 7–14). This passage, also unique to Luke, highlights the importance of genuine humility. The imagery recalls Proverbs 25:6–7, where the author writes that it is better for the host to call someone up than to assert oneself to try to get his attention. Humility means not reflecting social snobbery, not exalting oneself, and not thinking only of one’s own gain. God honors those who have friends on both ends of the social ladder.
This parable is a poignant story of genuinely relating in a needy world. Jesus tells it because the guests at the Pharisee’s table are trying to find places of honor. At an ancient meal, the table was usually in the shape of a U, and the host sat at the base. The seats of honor were located next to him. Often the most honored guests arrived the latest." [1]
Humility is an interesting topic, because I think that there is a lot of false humility that goes on in the church. Humility is not denying your talents and skills, but using them for the glory of God and the service of others. It is putting who you are in perspective. C.S. Lewis has a short, pithy quote on this:
"Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less." [1] (paraphrased)
Humility
"Jesus then pursues other related issues (vv. 7–14). This passage, also unique to Luke, highlights the importance of genuine humility. The imagery recalls Proverbs 25:6–7, where the author writes that it is better for the host to call someone up than to assert oneself to try to get his attention. Humility means not reflecting social snobbery, not exalting oneself, and not thinking only of one’s own gain. God honors those who have friends on both ends of the social ladder.
This parable is a poignant story of genuinely relating in a needy world. Jesus tells it because the guests at the Pharisee’s table are trying to find places of honor. At an ancient meal, the table was usually in the shape of a U, and the host sat at the base. The seats of honor were located next to him. Often the most honored guests arrived the latest." [1]
Humility is an interesting topic, because I think that there is a lot of false humility that goes on in the church. Humility is not denying your talents and skills, but using them for the glory of God and the service of others. It is putting who you are in perspective. C.S. Lewis has a short, pithy quote on this:
"Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less." [1] (paraphrased)
[1] Darrell L. Bock, The NIV Application Commentary: Luke (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996), 392.
[2] C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, 114.
[2] C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, 114.
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